Decorating with Style: Holiday Decorating with a Modern Twist

Ready to give your holiday style a glow-up? The magic of modern holiday decorating lies in finding that sweet spot between tradition and innovation. Maybe it’s a monochrome tree, minimalist garland, or a pop of unexpected color — small changes can transform your home into a refreshed, joyful retreat. As you deck the halls this season, embrace décor that reflects who you are now while still honoring the pieces you love year after year.

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Rethink the Traditional

Christmas Trees

One of the most iconic holiday traditions is decorating a Christmas tree. But consider thinking “outside the box” with your tree this year! Limited on space? Opt for multiple small Christmas trees lined up on your mantel, table or shelf. Slimline pencil Christmas trees are ideal space-savers. Artificial twig trees can create a simplistic and modern look in your home this year, plus, they can be kept up all year round. Consider a tree in a minimalist color palette, such as all white with silver ornaments, or decorating with only rose-gold baubles and ribbons. You might even try an uber modern look and opt simply for strands of lights set up in a cone shaped silhouette. Your tree possibilities are endless, don’t be afraid to try something new and different! 

Menorahs

Lighting the Hanukkah menorah is another iconic holiday tradition. While traditional gold, silver and bronze menorahs are truly beautiful, consider a menorah to match your home decor or personal style. Wooden menorahs crafted from branches or driftwood become the finishing touch for a rustic winter theme. Industrial piping creates a rugged, modern menorah. Create a menorah inspired centerpiece by dropping small floating candles into eight tea light holders filled with water; add a single taper candle to the center and voila! From sleek and modern to whimsical and DIY there is a menorah out there to match every decor, interest and personality. Find one that reflects you to celebrate the Festival of Lights. 

Bring the Outdoors In

Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some natural elements this year. Go big on foliage and decorate with wildlife-inspired baubles, wood elements and earth tones. Fill vases with winter weather flowers, such as Amaryllis, Paperwhites or Orchids and add sprigs of rosemary, holly, eucalyptus, or evergreens. Other subtle ways to bring the outdoors in are to introduce lush earth tones with throw pillows and blankets or burning pine-scented candles (we recommend natural, soy or beeswax candles!). Finally, finish off your rustic look with a stack of firewood next to your fireplace or in a tin bucket.

Of course the easiest and most traditional way to bring the outdoors in is with wreaths and garlands. While it is most common to place wreaths on your front door, this year try hanging wreaths or garlands on any door (indoors AND outdoors) or use them to accent candles and centerpieces. Get creative with your wreaths! Try a gilded faux magnolia wreath, a blue and silver bauble wreath, or go with a simple succulent inspired look.

Quirky Colors

The holidays are typically filled with red and green or blue and white. Who says we can’t include more color in our decor? Think about incorporating one of the following in your holiday color palette this year:

• Bright Whites & Creams
• Metallic Silver, Gold or Brass
• Various Shades of Green or Blue
• Soft Rose Golds or Iced Blues
• Neutrals like Chocolate or Sand
• Fuschia and Lime Green
• Teals and Soft Pinks

Vintage Glam

Don’t be afraid to bring in some glam and glitz! Channel (or should we say Chanel) a vibe from the roaring twenties! Mix metallic golds and silvers with sparkling beads, feathers, glitter and crystal. Have extra Hanukkah gelt — use it to line glass vases before filling with feathers and dried eucalyptus for some extra glitz. Pair your vintage glam with warm, glowing lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 

Go Eco-Friendly

Sustainability is on our minds these days and the holiday season is no exception. If you’re getting a tree, take into consideration the pros and cons of real vs. fake — there are pluses and minuses to both. Real trees are a renewable resource, but make sure you dispose of them properly so your old tree doesn’t end up in a landfill (check your local disposal recommendations). While a fake tree’s carbon footprint is much higher, it can be reused year after year. 

Other ways to reduce waste this holiday season is to consider reusable or recycled wrapping paper (see our DIY wrapping paper tips here!). If you’re sending out cards, consider printing them on environmentally conscious paper, upcycling old cards, making your own, or opting to email virtual cards instead.

Be Consistent 

Pick a decor theme and go with it! Whether you opt for a rustic elegance with pine cones and burlap or glitzy glam with silver ornaments and blue ribbon, pull that theme into all your decor from tablescapes, to trees and menorahs, to holiday linens. You know your home is perfectly decorated when you feel like it’s “almost too much” but not over the top.